The 1860’s were an important part of American History. It was the decade of bloodshed when brother fought against brother in the Civil War. It was also a time when people came together and rejoiced when slavery was finally outlawed. And although slavery was abolished, America saw the rise of Jim Crow Laws and other “black codes” that still made it difficult for blacks to be truly equal. Additionally, Abraham Lincoln was president, the railroad spanned from the East to the West Coast, and the 14th Amendment was ratified. One of the major events in the 1860”s was the Civil War. The beginning of the 1860’s saw the secession of Southern States from the Union over the issue of slavery. The northern states were tired of making compromises when it came to slavery, and eventually their hard-lined approach led to South Carolina seceding from the Union. Other southern states seceded soon after, and by 1861, the Southern States had adopted their own Constitution. Only a month later after South Carolina troops fire on a federal arsenal at Fort Sumter, the Civil War begins. The bloody and violent war left many dead and wounded. It was not until Johnston surrenders to Sherman that the war ends on April 1865. Although many believe that the Civil War abolished slavery and gave blacks their freedom, this was only part of the reality. The Southern States still found ways to discriminate and restrict blacks from truly being free. They forbid blacks to testify against whites; they establish vagrancy and apprenticeship laws; blacks cannot serve on juries, bear arms, or hold large meetings. It was not until Congress passed the 14th Amendment in 1866, and the states ratified it in 1868 that blacks were granted full citizenship, giving the Federal government the responsibility to protect equal rights under the law to all American citizen.
All this was made possible by the election of President Abraham Lincoln. After a famous and heated debate against Douglas, Lincoln went on to be elected President and inaugurated in 1860. In addition to his involvement in the Civil War, Lincoln is known for the Emancipation Proclamation. Issues on September 22, 1862, and put into effect in January 1, 1863, announced the freeing of slaves in ten states not under the control of the Union, also with exemptions for two states under Union control. Basically, this was a declaration that his military objective was to free all slaves. Lincoln was also famous for the Gettysburg Address. Delivered at the Soldiers’ Nation Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of November 19, 1863, Lincoln captivated the audience with a speech that started “Four score and 7 years ago.” This speech was on e of the most well known in U.S. History and asserted that the Nation was born in 1776, not 1789, and that the Civil War would provide a new birth of freedom in the nation. Additionally, Lincoln re-defined republicanism, enhanced higher education with the Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act, provided land through the Homestead Act, and supported the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, with the Pacific Railway Acts of 1862 and 1864. The Pacific Railroad constituted one of the most significant and ambitious American technological feats of the 19th century. It connected to the East to the West, and allowed transportation of goods and resources in a faster time-line. With the driving of the last spike in Utah on May 10th, 1869, America was finally united on many different levels.
TIMELINE
1860 -Lincoln is elected president (March 4th) -Pony Express begins (April 3rd)
1863 -Emancipation Proclamation (January 1st) -Breakfast Cereal Invented (No Date) -Gettysburg Adress (November 19th) -New York Draft Riots (July)
1864 -Sand Creek Massacre (November 29th) -Wade-Davis Bill (July 2nd)
1865 -Civil War Ends (April 9th) -President Lincoln is assassinated (April 14th) -Andrew Jones New President (1865) -Klu Klux Klan Founded (December 24th)
1866 -U.S. Congress authorizes use of Metric System (No Date) -Civil Rights Act (April 9th)
1867 -U.S.A. purchases Alaska from Russia (March 30th)
1868 -Ten Year's War between Cuba and Spain begins (October 10) -14th Amendment Ratified (July 9th)
1869 -Dmitri Mendeleev invents Periodic Table (No Date) -Vacuum Cleaner Invented (No Date) -Ulysess S. Grant elected president (March 4th) -First Transcontinental Railroad (May 10th)
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
The Pony Express - CJ
The 1860s was characterized and known as the era of the Civil War. The Pony Express was a direct result of the Civil War, and sheds light into what and how communication existed back then.It helps people to understand that things moved at a slower pace back then, and that communication was inadequate compared to modern times.Yet it also reminds people that our need for communication and the advances we have today are direct results of the service provided by the Pony Express back then.
The Homestead Act (1862) - Micah
The Homestead Act of 1862 was a bill proposed by Andrew Johnson that would give citizens 160 acres of government surveyed land for about $1.25. While on this land the claimer, or claimers, can build a property on the land and use it for crops (this would make the Homestead Act particularly popular among poor farmers, as it was easy to acquire a large plot of land for a fairly small price). However, this did not mean that the land was very fertile, as the land was often dry and farmers were faced with the threat of wind, snowstorms, and and insects, forcing many to leave or sell their land. Despite this, those who stayed were rewarded with the signing of the Railroad Act, which made much more easier to buy, sell, and trade goods. The Homestead Act would not be repealed until 1976.
The New York Draft Riot (1863) - Angela
The New York Draft Riot of 1863 was a riot against a law that drafts able bodied men to fight in the Civil War. Since only the wealthy men were able to pay off the $300 fee, the rioters were mainly made up of the working class. At first, the rioters were just against the draft, but the violence toward the drafts turned into violence toward African American citizens.
The election of 1864 was held during the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln was fighting against George B. McClellan for presidency. Lincoln represented the National Union, or Republicans, while McClellan represented the Democrats, who was also his former top general. Lincoln’s chances for reelection seemed dim because no president had won a second term since Andrew Jackson, he was also weakened by the criticism of how he handled the war. On November 8th Lincoln won by over 400,000 “popular” votes, he also easily secured electoral majority. A major factor in Lincoln’s victory was that several states allowed citizens that were serving as soldiers vote, almost 70% of his votes came from the Army.
Sand Creek Massacre (1864) - Sean
The Sand Creek Massacre was a brutal and unnecessary attack mutilating about 350 peaceful Indians on November 29th, 1864. The events that led up to the massacre include the Pike’s Peak gold rush and western migration by settlers. In 1861 Black Kettle, the very peaceful Indian chief, signed the Fort Lyon treaty in 1861 with Colorado governor John Evans, which set boundaries between Indian and American land. Settlers and members of the gold rush did not follow the treaty, which resulted in angered Indians. Governor Evans gave this issue to Colonel John Chivington to calm the situation, but the situation only got worse because fighting broke out between the Americans and Indians. During the months of the battles Black Kettle was trying to negotiate a peace treaty to stop the violence. Eventually Black Kettle was ordered to camp at Sand Creek and surrender all fire arms to negotiate a treaty. Colonel Chivington’s ordered the 3rd Colorado Volunteer’s of about 1,000 men to head to Sand Creek. On the dawn of November 29th Chivington led an undeclared attack on the peaceful Indians, Black Kettle noticed the attack and did not retaliate instead he raised an American and white flag over his tipi. After the massacre 2/3 of the dead were women and children. Local residents in the area praised Chivington and his men as they were regarded as heroes, when the news leaked to the East they condemned the solders who were a part of the massacre. Chivington was revoked from duty by Congress, but till his death bed defended his actions.
The 13th Amendment (1865) - Joscel
The ratification of the 13th amendment was a major event that occurred during the 1860's. It all began with the Emancipation Proclamation put into effect by Lincoln. This order freed a majority of slaves across the United States, but didn't officially end it. In order to do so, a constitutional amendment was needed. Realizing that slavery was a major issue during this time, Lincoln took an active role in pushing the ratification of the amendment through Congress. During this time, especially throughout the Civil War, slavery was a controversial matter across the country. At first, Lincoln was unsure whether or not he wanted to emancipate slaves because it could cause even more debate amongst abolitionists and supporters. Many, especially southerners, disapproved of the ratification but eventually, more and more abolitionists began rising up against slavery. In 1864, it was passed by Senate and in 1865 the House finally did as well. Formally adopted on December 6, 1865, Lincoln's efforts had finally paid off and this was an early Christmas present for the newly freed slaves. Unfortunately, Lincoln didn't live to see the amendment ratified to due his tragic assassination. The major result of the Civil War was the official abolishment of slavery. Although this was achieved, the ratification brought along many more problems for the country, such as discrimination and the issue of African-American civil rights.
The Klu Klux Klan played a major role in shaping the events of the 1860's. The Klan was started by A group a 6 confederate generals from Pulaski Tennessee on December 24, 1865. They got the name from the Greek word "kukos" which means circle of brothers. The klan wanted to control and drastically change social situation. Wanting to restore white supremacy, they murdered both black people and white Republicans. The Klan used violence in public in order to intimidate the blacks. They would often burn houses, attack and kill Afriacan Americans, and leave bodies on the road. They eventually began to wear masks in order to create more fear and allow them to attack both the wealthy and the poor without being caught. Within the time period for every 10 white people 100 blacks were killed. Masked Klan members shot into houses whether or not someone was in there. The KKK eventually was forcefully disbanded by Benjamin Butler by making the Civil Rights Act of 1871. With this act many Klansmen were put into their place by being fined or imprisoned.
COMMERCIAL
The Transcontinental Railroad:
The Transcontinental Railroad was the railroad line built across the United States from 1863 to 1869. By the time it was finished, the road connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts for the first time. The invention of the Transcontinental Railroad made a huge impact on transportation across the United States. It was originally known as the Pacific Railroad and was known as one of the most significant / ambitious inventions of the 1860's, especially since it took 9 years in the making. The entire construction of the railroad created a link between the East & West, impacting communication across the United States.
MUSIC VIDEO
"The Battle Cry of Freedom" was written by the American Composer George F. Root during the time of the American Civil War in 1862, which was a major event that occurred in this decade. The song was very patriotic and boosted people's support for the Union/American cause. The song eventually became so popular that thousands of copies began to circulate across the country. This song rallied support for the Union by chanting, "The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah! Down with the traitor, up with the star; While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again, Shouting the battle cry of freedom!" This song celebrates our country and provided encouragement for those fighting in the war.
RECIPES / FOOD of the 1860's
Biscuits = Take one quart of flour, three teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, mixed well through the flour, two tablespoonfuls of shortening, one teaspoonful of soda, dissolved in warm water, of sufficient quantity to mould the quart of flour. For large families the amount can be doubled.
Table of Contents
THE DECADE OF NEW BEGINNINGS
INTRODUCTION
The 1860’s were an important part of American History. It was the decade of bloodshed when brother fought against brother in the Civil War. It was also a time when people came together and rejoiced when slavery was finally outlawed. And although slavery was abolished, America saw the rise of Jim Crow Laws and other “black codes” that still made it difficult for blacks to be truly equal. Additionally, Abraham Lincoln was president, the railroad spanned from the East to the West Coast, and the 14th Amendment was ratified.heated debate against Douglas, Lincoln went on to be elected President and inaugurated in 1860. In addition to his involvement in the Civil War, Lincoln is known for the Emancipation Proclamation. Issues on September 22, 1862, and put into effect in January 1, 1863, announced the freeing of slaves in ten states not under the control of the Union, also with exemptions for two states under Union control. Basically, this was a declaration that his military objective was to free all slaves. Lincoln was also famous for the Gettysburg Address. Delivered at the Soldiers’ Nation Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of November 19, 1863, Lincoln captivated the audience with a speech that started “Four score and 7 years ago.” This speech was on e of the most well known in U.S. History and asserted that the Nation was born in 1776, not 1789, and that the Civil War would provide a new birth of freedom in the nation. Additionally, Lincoln re-defined republicanism, enhanced higher education with the Morrill Land Grant Colleges Act, provided land through the Homestead Act, and supported the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, with the Pacific Railway Acts of 1862 and 1864. The Pacific Railroad constituted one of the most significant and ambitious American technological feats of the 19th century. It connected to the East to the West, and allowed transportation of goods and resources in a faster time-line. With the driving of the last spike in Utah on May 10th, 1869, America was finally united on many different levels.
TIMELINE
1860
-Lincoln is elected president (March 4th)
-Pony Express begins (April 3rd)
1861
-Civil War Begins (April 12th)
-Pony Express Ends (October 24th)
1862
-Homestead Act (May 20th)
1863
-Emancipation Proclamation (January 1st)
-Gettysburg Adress (November 19th)
-New York Draft Riots (July)
1864
-Sand Creek Massacre (November 29th)
-Wade-Davis Bill (July 2nd)
1865
-Civil War Ends (April 9th)
-President Lincoln is assassinated (April 14th)
-Andrew Jones New President (1865)
-Klu Klux Klan Founded (December 24th)
1866
-Civil Rights Act (April 9th)
1867
-U.S.A. purchases Alaska from Russia (March 30th)
1868
-Ten Year's War between Cuba and Spain begins (October 10)
-14th Amendment Ratified (July 9th)
1869
-Dmitri Mendeleev invents Periodic Table (No Date)
-Vacuum Cleaner Invented (No Date)
-Ulysess S. Grant elected president (March 4th)
-First Transcontinental Railroad (May 10th)
INDIVIDUAL EVENTS
The Pony Express - CJ
The 1860s was characterized and known as the era of the Civil War. The Pony Express was a direct result of the Civil War, and sheds light into what and how communication existed back then.It helps people to understand that things moved at a slower pace back then, and that communication was inadequate compared to modern times.Yet it also reminds people that our need for communication and the advances we have today are direct results of the service provided by the Pony Express back then.
The Homestead Act (1862) - Micah
The Homestead Act of 1862 was a bill proposed by Andrew Johnson that would give citizens 160 acres of government surveyed land for about $1.25. While on this land the claimer, or claimers, can build a property on the land and use it for crops (this would make the Homestead Act particularly popular among poor farmers, as it was easy to acquire a large plot of land for a fairly small price). However, this did not mean that the land was very fertile, as the land was often dry and farmers were faced with the threat of wind, snowstorms, and and insects, forcing many to leave or sell their land. Despite this, those who stayed were rewarded with the signing of the Railroad Act, which made much more easier to buy, sell, and trade goods. The Homestead Act would not be repealed until 1976.
The New York Draft Riot (1863) - Angela
The New York Draft Riot of 1863 was a riot against a law that drafts able bodied men to fight in the Civil War. Since only the wealthy men were able to pay off the $300 fee, the rioters were mainly made up of the working class. At first, the rioters were just against the draft, but the violence toward the drafts turned into violence toward African American citizens.
U.S Presidential Election (1864) - Marciano
The election of 1864 was held during the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln was fighting against George B. McClellan for presidency. Lincoln represented the National Union, or Republicans, while McClellan represented the Democrats, who was also his former top general. Lincoln’s chances for reelection seemed dim because no president had won a second term since Andrew Jackson, he was also weakened by the criticism of how he handled the war. On November 8th Lincoln won by over 400,000 “popular” votes, he also easily secured electoral majority. A major factor in Lincoln’s victory was that several states allowed citizens that were serving as soldiers vote, almost 70% of his votes came from the Army.
Sand Creek Massacre (1864) - Sean
The Sand Creek Massacre was a brutal and unnecessary attack mutilating about 350 peaceful Indians on November 29th, 1864. The events that led up to the massacre include the Pike’s Peak gold rush and western migration by settlers. In 1861 Black Kettle, the very peaceful Indian chief, signed the Fort Lyon treaty in 1861 with Colorado governor John Evans, which set boundaries between Indian and American land. Settlers and members of the gold rush did not follow the treaty, which resulted in angered Indians. Governor Evans gave this issue to Colonel John Chivington to calm the situation, but the situation only got worse because fighting broke out between the Americans and Indians. During the months of the battles Black Kettle was trying to negotiate a peace treaty to stop the violence. Eventually Black Kettle was ordered to camp at Sand Creek and surrender all fire arms to negotiate a treaty. Colonel Chivington’s ordered the 3rd Colorado Volunteer’s of about 1,000 men to head to Sand Creek. On the dawn of November 29th Chivington led an undeclared attack on the peaceful Indians, Black Kettle noticed the attack and did not retaliate instead he raised an American and white flag over his tipi. After the massacre 2/3 of the dead were women and children. Local residents in the area praised Chivington and his men as they were regarded as heroes, when the news leaked to the East they condemned the solders who were a part of the massacre. Chivington was revoked from duty by Congress, but till his death bed defended his actions.
The 13th Amendment (1865) - Joscel
The ratification of the 13th amendment was a major event that occurred during the 1860's. It all began with the Emancipation Proclamation put into effect by Lincoln. This order freed a majority of slaves across the United States, but didn't officially end it. In order to do so, a constitutional amendment was needed. Realizing that slavery was a major issue during this time, Lincoln took an active role in pushing the ratification of the amendment through Congress. During this time, especially throughout the Civil War, slavery was a controversial matter across the country. At first, Lincoln was unsure whether or not he wanted to emancipate slaves because it could cause even more debate amongst abolitionists and supporters. Many, especially southerners, disapproved of the ratification but eventually, more and more abolitionists began rising up against slavery. In 1864, it was passed by Senate and in 1865 the House finally did as well. Formally adopted on December 6, 1865, Lincoln's efforts had finally paid off and this was an early Christmas present for the newly freed slaves. Unfortunately, Lincoln didn't live to see the amendment ratified to due his tragic assassination. The major result of the Civil War was the official abolishment of slavery. Although this was achieved, the ratification brought along many more problems for the country, such as discrimination and the issue of African-American civil rights.
The KKK (1865) - Ryan
The Klu Klux Klan played a major role in shaping the events of the 1860's. The Klan was started by A group a 6 confederate generals from Pulaski Tennessee on December 24, 1865. They got the name from the Greek word "kukos" which means circle of brothers. The klan wanted to control and drastically change social situation. Wanting to restore white supremacy, they murdered both black people and white Republicans. The Klan used violence in public in order to intimidate the blacks. They would often burn houses, attack and kill Afriacan Americans, and leave bodies on the road. They eventually began to wear masks in order to create more fear and allow them to attack both the wealthy and the poor without being caught. Within the time period for every 10 white people 100 blacks were killed. Masked Klan members shot into houses whether or not someone was in there. The KKK eventually was forcefully disbanded by Benjamin Butler by making the Civil Rights Act of 1871. With this act many Klansmen were put into their place by being fined or imprisoned.
COMMERCIAL
The Transcontinental Railroad:
The Transcontinental Railroad was the railroad line built across the United States from 1863 to 1869. By the time it was finished, the road connected the Atlantic and Pacific coasts for the first time. The invention of the Transcontinental Railroad made a huge impact on transportation across the United States. It was originally known as the Pacific Railroad and was known as one of the most significant / ambitious inventions of the 1860's, especially since it took 9 years in the making. The entire construction of the railroad created a link between the East & West, impacting communication across the United States.
MUSIC VIDEO
"The Battle Cry of Freedom" was written by the American Composer George F. Root during the time of the American Civil War in 1862, which was a major event that occurred in this decade. The song was very patriotic and boosted people's support for the Union/American cause. The song eventually became so popular that thousands of copies began to circulate across the country. This song rallied support for the Union by chanting, "The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah! Down with the traitor, up with the star; While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again, Shouting the battle cry of freedom!" This song celebrates our country and provided encouragement for those fighting in the war.
RECIPES / FOOD of the 1860's
Biscuits = Take one quart of flour, three teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, mixed well through the flour, two tablespoonfuls of shortening, one teaspoonful of soda, dissolved in warm water, of sufficient quantity to mould the quart of flour. For large families the amount can be doubled.
Iced Tea = Mix
Info from: http://www.foodtimeline.org/
Biscuits = http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/receipt/receipt.html
Iced Tea = http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodbeverages.html#icedtea